TAMPA, FL—Le Méridien Tampa has debuted following an adaptive-reuse project that has transformed a century-old federal courthouse into the city’s newest hotel.
Developed by Memphis-based Development Services Group and owned via joint venture between its CEO and President Gary Prosterman and the Atlantic American Opportunity Fund, Le Méridien Tampa offers 130 guestrooms, a restaurant and meeting and event space all set against the backdrop of the building’s architecture and location in the city’s downtown arts and entertainment district.
“Our design approach for Le Méridien—juxtaposing the old with the new in a nod to our mid-century roots—lends itself well for adaptive re-use projects such as this one in Tampa,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader, Le Méridien and Westin Hotels. “Le Méridien Tampa combines the building’s original architectural flourishes with contemporary design details inspired by the city, providing a truly distinctive atmosphere designed to unlock the destination for both the creative-minded traveler and locals alike.”
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former courthouse occupies an entire city block of North Florida Avenue between Zack and Twig Streets and was previously a customs house and post office.
The $26-million renovation of Le Méridien Tampa preserved the building’s most notable architectural elements, including the marble and terrazzo lobby as well as its oak doorframes and window casings. Facilities include an outdoor pool, 24-hr. fitness center and business center, which features a historic judge’s bench as the primary workstation.
Le Méridien Tampa also features the signature Le Méridien Hub, which reinterprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place, and further builds on the brand’s arrival experience and coffee culture. Le Méridien arrival consists of four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas; a sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light; UNLOCK ART programme, featuring artist designed key card collections that offer access to Le Méridien-affiliated contemporary cultural centers in the city; and a 24-hr. curated soundtrack by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague.
The hotel also includes Bizou Brasserie’s French cuisine and the Longitude Bar. Le Méridien Tampa also offers more than 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom for up to 150 guests.